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Gunmen attack five-star hotel in Pakistan, at least one killed - UPDATED 2

11 May 2019 19:12 (UTC +04:00)

Three gunmen attacked a luxury hotel in Pakistan’s southwestern port city of Gwadar on Saturday, killing at least one guard and battling security forces from inside the building, security officials and the army said, ONA reports citing Reuters.

Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langove said most guests had been evacuated from the five-star Pearl Continental Hotel, which helicopters circled as fighting was underway. He said there were reports of casualties, but did not give details.

The military said three gunmen killed a guard at the entrance to the hotel when they entered. Security forces had cordoned off the area and cornered the attackers in a staircase leading to the top floor, the military said in a statement.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

*** 18:15

According to Gwadar Station House Officer (SHO) Aslam Bangulzai, three or four heavily armed terrorists have attacked the five-star Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar, Pakistan, ONA reports citing Sputnik.

“At around 4:50 pm we got reports that there are three to four armed men in PC Hotel,” the SHO said, adding that "the firing is ongoing but there are no reports of any casualties yet.”

The official added that additional police, anti-terrorism and army units have been deployed to the area following the incident.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohsin Hassan Butt, in his turn, said that "two to three gunmen had first fired at and then entered the hotel," adding that only staff remained inside the hotel.

According to local Information Minister Zahoor Buledi, all foreign and local guests of the hotel have been safely evacuated.

Ten blasts have been heard from inside the hotel, the police said as quoted by ARY News.

The Pakistan Today newspaper reported that at least 70 people were in the hotel, including 40 Chinese citizens. There is still no information about any casualties.

No militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

*** 17:51

According to Gwadar Station House Officer (SHO) Aslam Bangulzai, three or four heavily armed terrorists have attacked the five-star Pearl Continental Hotel in the Pakistani city of Gwadar, ONA reports citing Sputnik.